One of the most accessible and effective treatments for a variety of mental health concerns is talk therapy. But, what is talk therapy, and how can it benefit you?
In this blog, we’ll demystify the NHS talking therapy service, explain how it works, and highlight how you can access it.
What is Talk Therapy?
Talk therapy is a treatment method in which individuals talk through their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a trained therapist. The aim is to explore the root causes of emotional or psychological challenges, develop coping strategies, and promote positive mental health.
Unlike simply confiding in friends or family, talk therapy offers a structured and confidential environment where a therapist can guide the conversation in ways that foster deeper understanding and long-term solutions. The therapy can take various forms, depending on the individual’s needs and the nature of their mental health condition.
What does it offer?
The NHS offers free talking therapies through the IAPT program, which was designed to help people manage common mental health issues.
Since its launch in 2008, the service has made psychological support more accessible, aiming to provide treatment to millions of people every year.
The NHS talking therapy service offers several types of therapy, tailored to an individual’s specific mental health needs, for example:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Counselling for Depression
Guided Self-Help
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Who can benefit from NHS Talking Therapy?
The NHS talking therapy service is designed to support anyone experiencing mental health issues that are affecting their daily life.
Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming stress at work, finding it difficult to cope with a major life event, or dealing with persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness, talk therapy can support you. It can also help you with harnessing the strengths of your neurodivergence, such as ADHD or Autism.
Some of the conditions that can be treated through the NHS talking therapy service include:
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Trauma
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panic Disorders
How do I access NHS Talking Therapy?
The NHS talking therapy service is widely accessible and free. Here’s how you can access it:
Self-Referral: You don’t need a GP referral to access the service. You can refer yourself directly by visiting the IAPT section of the NHS website, finding your local provider, and filling out a self-referral form online or over the phone.
GP Referral: If you’re more comfortable speaking with your GP first, they can also refer you. During your appointment, your GP will assess your mental health needs and guide you on the appropriate course of action.
What to expect from NHS Talking Therapy
It’s normal to feel apprehensive before starting therapy, especially if it’s your first time. However, it’s important to remember that therapy is a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and challenges with a professional who is there to help.
During your therapy sessions, your therapist will guide you in discussing your thoughts and emotions, helping you to better understand your mental health and develop practical strategies to manage it. The sessions are confidential, meaning anything you share with your therapist stays private unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. While some people may feel better after just a few sessions, others may benefit from longer-term therapy.
The importance of early intervention
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or persistently low, it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later. Mental health conditions can worsen over time if left untreated, but with the right support, many people experience significant improvements in their well-being.